ASPS: Cosmetic procedures increased 3 percent in 2014

(HealthDay)—According to a new report, 15.6 million cosmetic procedures, including both minimally-invasive and surgical, were performed in the United States in 2014, an increase of 3 percent since 2013. The report was issued by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Overall, 15.6 million minimally-invasive and surgical cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States in 2014. There were also 5.8 million reconstructive surgeries performed—a 1 percent increase from 2013. Demand for minimally-invasive and cosmetic procedures continued. The top five procedures were: botulinum toxin type A, or Botox (6.7 million); soft-tissue fillers (2.3 million); chemical peels (1.2 million); laser hair removal (1.1 million); and microdermabrasion (881,905). All except microdermabrasion increased from 2013.

The rates of America's favorite surgical procedures rose and fell, the study found. Breast augmentations fell 1 percent compared to 2013. Nose reshaping dropped 2 percent, eyelid surgery declined 4 percent, and facelifts fell off 4 percent. Liposuction, however, rose 5 percent in the year-to-year figures.

Breast cancer patients underwent 102,200 breast reconstructions, a 7 percent increase from 2013. "It's encouraging to see a significant rise in breast reconstruction rates, because studies show that reconstruction can greatly improve a patient's quality of life and self-image," ASPS president Scot Glasberg, M.D., said in a Society news release. "But, not all breast cancer patients undergo breast reconstruction, in some cases because they are not informed of all of their reconstructive options."

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